LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) -
The UNLV men's and women's swimming and diving teams open their 2011-12 season on Saturday afternoon, as the Rebels will host the CSU Bakersfield men's team and San Diego State on the women's side. The dual meets will begin at 2 pm, while diving will take place at 11 am, all at Buchanan Natatorium.

The Rebel men, coming off the best year in school history which featured a top-20 finish at the NCAA Championships, are beginning their first season competing in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation after winning seven straight titles in the Mountain West, before the MW dropped the sport in the off-season. Junior Cody Roberts highlights the returnees for the Rebels, and he looks to build off of his sophomore year where he was honored as the MW Swimmer of the Year. He and the Rebels will get an early taste of what their new conference home is like as Saturday's competition is with MPSF member CSU Bakersfield, which is coached by former UNLV assistant coach Chris Hansen (1998-2001).

On the women's side, the Rebels feature a youthful but deep squad. Sophomores Jessica Heim (200 free) and Rachel Dixon (50 free) each earned runner-up finishes at the Mountain West Championships last season. Divers Rachelle Zuccaro and Mariah Skeen also both return after their appearances at the 2011 NCAA Zone E Diving Regionals. The Rebels were tabbed to take fourth this season in the Mountain West Preseason Coaches Poll, while the Aztecs come in as the league favorite.